The Children's Book Council of New York presents outstanding books for 1976 in the Children's Book Showcase 1976 catalog. Selection criteria place heavy emphasis on illustration, typography, layout, binding, paper, printing, and reproduction, with vitality and originality also considered. The two-page spread for each of the 28 selections contains a brief critique of the book; a black-and-white illustration of a book page; and a listing of author, title, illustrator, publisher, editor, art director, designer, production director, printer, binder, page size and number, size of run, and price. Special information about illustration, type, paper, binding, endpapers, and book jacket is also included. (LS)